Nutritional composition for enhancing lean muscle stimulus, growth, strength and recovery, creating and prolonging intense muscle pumps, supporting endurance, strength, performance, size and stamina, providing a transducer effect for nitric oxide, increasing nutrient delivery and/or promoting increased vascular response in an individual

ABSTRACT

A nutritional composition, the consumption of which provides a method for enhancing lean muscle stimulus, growth, strength and recovery, creating and prolonging muscle pumps, supporting endurance, strength, performance, size and stamina, providing a transducer effect for nitric oxide, increasing nutrient delivery and/or promoting increased vascular response in individuals. The nutritional composition may include L-arginine and creatine. In addition, the nutritional composition may also include L-citrulline, L-aspartic acid,  ginseng  root extract, and maritime pine (bark) extract. Alternatively, the nutritional composition may also include L-leucine and L-valine. A method of manufacturing the nutritional composition is also provided.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/658,782, filed on Mar. 3, 2005, U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/613,441, filed on Sep. 24, 2004, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/567,127, filed on Apr. 30, 2004, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a novel nutritional composition which provides for enhancing lean muscle stimulus, growth, strength and recovery, creating and prolonging muscle pumps, supporting endurance, strength, performance, size and stamina, providing a transducer effect for nitric oxide, increasing nutrient delivery and/or promoting increased vascular response, e.g., blood flow and circulation, in an individual, a method for achieving same by consuming the nutritional composition and to a method of manufacturing the nutritional composition.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention, in accordance with one embodiment thereof, provides for a novel nutritional composition for enhancing lean muscle stimulus, growth, strength and recovery, creating and prolonging muscle pumps, supporting endurance, strength, performance, size and stamina, providing a transducer effect for nitric oxide, increasing nutrient delivery and/or promoting increased vascular response, e.g., blood flow and circulation, in an individual, e.g., a human or animal. In one embodiment, the nutritional composition includes ______.

The present invention, in accordance with one embodiment thereof, also provides, by the ingestion of the novel nutritional composition, a method for enhancing lean muscle stimulus, growth, strength and recovery, creating and prolonging muscle pumps, supporting endurance, strength, performance, size and stamina, providing a transducer effect for nitric oxide, increasing nutrient delivery and/or promoting increased vascular response, e.g., blood flow and circulation, in an individual.

Furthermore, the present invention, in accordance with one embodiment thereof, provides a method of manufacturing a nutritional composition for enhancing lean muscle stimulus, growth, strength and recovery, creating and prolonging muscle pumps, supporting endurance, strength, performance, size and stamina, providing a transducer effect for nitric oxide, increasing nutrient delivery and/or promoting increased vascular response, e.g., blood flow and circulation, in an individual.

Still further, the present invention, in accordance with one embodiment thereof, provides a timed release delivery system for a novel nutritional composition, the nutritional composition for enhancing lean muscle stimulus, growth, strength and recovery, creating and prolonging muscle pumps, supporting endurance, strength, performance, size and stamina, providing a transducer effect for nitric oxide, increasing nutrient delivery and/or promoting increased vascular response, e.g., blood flow and circulation, in an individual.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Definitions

As used herein, “an effective amount” refers to an amount effective for enhancing lean muscle stimulus, growth, strength and recovery, creating and prolonging muscle pumps, supporting endurance, strength, performance, size and stamina, providing a transducer effect for nitric oxide, increasing nutrient delivery and/or promoting increased vascular response, e.g., blood flow and circulation, in an individual when administered over a period of week(s) in accordance with a predetermined dosage regimen, e.g., in accordance with the dosage charts set forth in greater detail below. An effective amount of the nutritional composition is preferably from about 0.1 g to about 20 g of the nutritional composition per serving. More preferably, an effective amount of the composition comprises from about 1 g to about 10 g of the nutritional composition per serving. Most preferably, an effective amount of the composition comprises about 7.5 g of the nutritional composition. In another preferred embodiment of the invention, an effective amount of the composition most preferably comprises about 5.85 g of the nutritional composition.

As used herein, “essentially pure” preferably refers to a compound that is greater than about 90% pure. More preferably, “essentially pure” refers to a compound that is greater than about 95% pure. Most preferably, “essentially pure” refers to a compound that is greater than about 98% pure.

As used herein, “enriched” refers to a partially purified extract or composition from which undesirable impurities have been removed. The undesirable impurities may be a single compound or multiple compounds. Preferably, “enriched” refers to a composition in which at least 25% of the undesirable impurities have been removed. More preferably, “enriched” refers to a composition in which at least 50% of the undesirable impurities have been removed. Most preferably, “enriched” refers to a composition in which at least 75% of the undesirable impurities have been removed.

As used herein, “muscle pump” refers to the flow of blood through the veins when muscular contraction compresses the blood veins, which increases the pressure within the veins and exerts pressure on the blood, causing it to flow, thereby acting as a pumping mechanism.

One embodiment of the invention provides for a nutritional composition including L-arginine, e.g., L-arginine HCL and/or L-arginine alphaketoglutarate, creatine, L-citrulline, L-aspartic acid, ginseng root extract, and maritime pine (bark) extract. The present invention, in accordance with one embodiment thereof, also provides, by the ingestion of the novel nutritional composition, a method for enhancing lean muscle stimulus, growth, strength and recovery, creating and prolonging muscle pumps, supporting endurance, strength, performance, size and stamina, providing a transducer effect for nitric oxide, increasing nutrient delivery and/or promoting increased vascular response, e.g., blood flow and circulation, in an individual. Furthermore, the present invention, in accordance with one embodiment thereof, provides a method of manufacturing such a nutritional composition. The present invention, in accordance with one embodiment thereof, provides a timed release delivery system for the novel nutritional composition. This embodiment of the present invention may employ a 5 caplet serving. Preferably, this embodiment is provided in the dosage form of a drink which may be stored as a powder and reconstituted into a drink at the time of ingestion. In one embodiment, the nutritional composition is for use by men.

For instance, in one such embodiment of the invention there is provided for a nutritional composition including about 3.1 g of L-arginine, e.g., about 3.0 g of L-arginine HCL and about 0.1 g of L-arginine alphaketoglutarate, about 1.5 g of creatine malate, about 0.1 g of L-citrulline, about 0.1 g of L-aspartic acid, about 0.05 g of ginseng root extract, and about 2 mg of maritime pine (bark) extract per serving. The present invention, in accordance with one embodiment thereof, also provides, by the ingestion of the novel nutritional composition, a method for enhancing lean muscle stimulus, growth, strength and recovery, creating and prolonging muscle pumps, supporting endurance, strength, performance, size and stamina, providing a transducer effect for nitric oxide, increasing nutrient delivery and/or promoting increased vascular response, e.g., blood flow and circulation, in an individual. Furthermore, the present invention, in accordance with one embodiment thereof, provides a method of manufacturing such a nutritional composition. The present invention, in accordance with one embodiment thereof, provides a timed release delivery system for the novel nutritional composition.

Another embodiment of the invention provides for a nutritional composition including L-arginine, di-creatine malate, L-arginine alphaketoglutarate, picamilone HCL, asian ginseng powder root extract (Panax ginseng)L-Citrulline, L-aspartic acid and French maritime pine bark extract. The present invention, in accordance with one embodiment thereof, also provides, by the ingestion of the novel nutritional composition, a method for enhancing lean muscle stimulus, growth, strength and recovery, creating and prolonging intense muscle pumps, supporting endurance, strength, performance, size and stamina, providing a transducer effect for nitric oxide, increasing nutrient delivery and/or promoting increased vascular response, e.g., blood flow and circulation, in an individual. Furthermore, the present invention, in accordance with one embodiment thereof, provides a method of manufacturing such a nutritional composition. Preferably, this embodiment is provided in the dosage form of a drink which may be stored as a powder and reconstituted into a drink at the time of ingestion. Examples 7 and 9 set forth below illustrate two examples of such embodiments of the present invention. Alternatively, this embodiment is provided in the dosage form of a caplet. Example 11 set forth below illustrates an example of this embodiment of the present invention.

For instance, in one such embodiment of the invention there is provided for a nutritional composition including about 4.0 g L-arginine, about 1.5 g of di-creatine malate, about 0.1 g of L-arginine alpha ketaglutarate, about 0.1 g of picamilone HCL, about 0.05 g of asian ginseng powder root extract (Panax ginseng), about 0.5 g of L-Citrulline, about 0.05 g of L-aspartic acid and about 0.002 g of French maritime pine bark extract per serving. The present invention, in accordance with one embodiment thereof, also provides, by the ingestion of the novel nutritional composition, a method for enhancing lean muscle stimulus, growth, strength and recovery, creating and prolonging muscle pumps, supporting endurance, strength, performance, size and stamina, providing a transducer effect for nitric oxide, increasing nutrient delivery and/or promoting increased vascular response, e.g., blood flow and circulation, in an individual. Furthermore, the present invention, in accordance with one embodiment thereof, provides a method of manufacturing such a nutritional composition.

Another embodiment of the invention provides for a nutritional composition including L-arginine, e.g., L-arginine HCL and/or L-arginine alphaketoglutarate, creatine hydrates (including but not limited to creatine monohydrate), L-leucine and L-valine. The present invention, in accordance with one embodiment thereof, also provides, by the ingestion of the novel nutritional composition, a method for enhancing lean muscle stimulus, growth, strength and recovery, creating and prolonging muscle pumps, supporting endurance, strength, performance, size and stamina, providing a transducer effect for nitric oxide, increasing nutrient delivery and/or promoting increased vascular response, e.g., blood flow and circulation, in an individual. Furthermore, the present invention, in accordance with one embodiment thereof, provides a method of manufacturing such a nutritional composition. The present invention, in accordance with one embodiment thereof, provides a timed release delivery system for the novel nutritional composition. Advantageously, this embodiment of the present invention employs a 5 caplet serving.

For instance, in one such embodiment of the invention there is provided for a nutritional composition including about 3.0 g of L-arginine, e.g., about 2.9 g of L-arginine HCL and about 0.1 g of L-arginine alphaketoglutarate, about 1.5 g of creatine monohydrate, about 0.1 g of L-valine, and about 0.1 g of L-leucine. The present invention, in accordance with one embodiment thereof, also provides, by the ingestion of the novel nutritional composition, a method for enhancing lean muscle stimulus, growth, strength and recovery, creating and prolonging muscle pumps, supporting endurance, strength, performance, size and stamina, providing a transducer effect for nitric oxide, increasing nutrient delivery and/or promoting increased vascular response, e.g., blood flow and circulation, in an individual. Furthermore, the present invention, in accordance with one embodiment thereof, provides a method of manufacturing such a nutritional composition. The present invention, in accordance with one embodiment thereof, provides a timed release delivery system for the novel nutritional composition.

Another embodiment of the invention provides for a nutritional composition including L-arginine HCL and L-arginine alpha ketoglutarate, creatine hydrates (including but not limited to creatine monohydrate), L-leucine and L-valine. The present invention, in accordance with one embodiment thereof, also provides, by the ingestion of the novel nutritional composition, a method for enhancing lean muscle stimulus, growth, strength and recovery, creating and prolonging muscle pumps, supporting endurance, strength, performance, size and stamina, providing a transducer effect for nitric oxide, increasing nutrient delivery and/or promoting increased vascular response, e.g., blood flow and circulation, in an individual. Furthermore, the present invention, in accordance with one embodiment thereof, provides a method of manufacturing such a nutritional composition. The present invention, in accordance with one embodiment thereof, provides a timed release delivery system for the novel nutritional composition. Advantageously, this embodiment of the present invention employs a 3 caplet serving.

For instance, in one such embodiment of the invention there is provided for a nutritional composition including about 1.74 g of L-arginine HCL and 0.06 g of L-arginine alpha ketoglutarate, about 0.9 g of creatine monohydrate, about 0.06 g of L-valine, and about 0.06 g of L-leucine. The present invention, in accordance with one embodiment thereof, also provides, by the ingestion of the novel nutritional composition, a method for enhancing lean muscle stimulus, growth, strength and recovery, creating and prolonging muscle pumps, supporting endurance, strength, performance, size and stamina, providing a transducer effect for nitric oxide, increasing nutrient delivery and/or promoting increased vascular response, e.g., blood flow and circulation, in an individual. Furthermore, the present invention, in accordance with one embodiment thereof, provides a method of manufacturing such a nutritional composition. The present invention, in accordance with one embodiment thereof, provides a timed release delivery system for the novel nutritional composition.

While not wishing to be bound by theory it is believed that the nutritional composition of the invention increases blood flow to skeletal muscle by exploiting the mechanisms involved in nitric oxide (NO) production and smooth muscle relaxation. It is believed that the nutritional composition of the invention increases the dilation of blood vessels, which increases the delivery of nutrients and oxygen while assisting the removal of waste byproducts of metabolism. Increasing NO production by consumption of the nutritional composition of the invention results in wider blood vessels, which can carry more blood to muscles. The increased flow of blood results in delivery of nutrients, oxygen and hormones needed for growth and repair and helps remove undesirable byproducts of metabolism that fatigue muscles.

L-arginine

L-arginine, also referred to as (S)-2-Amino-5-[(aminoiminomethyl)amino]pentanoic acid, (CAS Registry No. 74-79-3), is a naturally occurring amino acid. As used herein, “L-arginine” also includes derivatives of L-arginine such as esters, and amides, and salts, as well as other derivatives, including derivatives that become active upon metabolism. The structure of L-arginine is as follows:

While not being bound by theory it is believed that L-arginine is a substrate for NO synthetase and that the ingestion of L-arginine by an animal increases the plasma concentration of L-arginine. It is further believed that increased plasma concentration of L-arginine enhances nitric oxide production by enhancing the concentration of the NO synthetase substrate L-arginine.

The nutritional composition of the invention preferably comprises a salt of L-arginine selected from the group consisting of L-arginine hydrochloride and L-arginine alpha-ketoglutarate. More preferably, the nutritional composition of the invention comprises a combination of salts of L-arginine salts comprising L-arginine hydrochloride and L-arginine alpha-ketoglutarate.

Preferably, the nutritional composition of the invention comprises L-arginine hydrochloride and L-arginine alpha-ketoglutarate in a ratio of at least about 10 to 1. More preferably, the nutritional composition of the invention comprises L-arginine hydrochloride and L-arginine alpha-ketoglutarate in a ratio of at least about 20 to 1. Most preferably, the nutritional composition of the invention comprises L-arginine hydrochloride and L-arginine alpha-ketoglutarate in a ratio of about 30 to 1.

Preferably, a serving of the nutritional substrate comprises from about 1 g to about 30 g of an L-arginine salt per serving. More preferably, a serving of the nutritional substrate comprises from about 5 g to about 10 g of an L-arginine salt per serving. In one embodiment, a serving of the nutritional substrate comprises about 3.0 g to about 3.1 g of an L-arginine salt per serving. In another embodiment, a serving of the nutritional substrate comprises about 1.70 to 1.80 g of an L-arginine salt per serving.

In another preferred embodiment, the nutritional composition of the invention preferably comprises L-arginine base instead of or in addition to a L-arginine salt. Preferably, this nutritional composition of the invention comprises L-arginine and L-arginine alpha-ketoglutarate in a ratio of at least about 10 to 1. More preferably, this nutritional composition of the invention comprises L-arginine and L-arginine alpha-ketoglutarate in a ratio of at least about 20 to 1. Most preferably, this nutritional composition of the invention comprises L-arginine and L-arginine alpha-ketoglutarate in a ratio of about 40 to 1.

Preferably, a serving of this nutritional substrate comprises from about 1 g to about 30 g of a L-arginine base per serving. More preferably, a serving of this nutritional substrate comprises from about 5 g to about 10 g of an L-arginine base per serving. In one embodiment, a serving of the nutritional substrate comprises about 4.0 g of an L-arginine base per serving.

Creatine

As used herein, “creatine” refers to the chemical compound N-methyl-N-guanyl glycine, (CAS Registry No. 57-00-1), also known as, (a-methyl guanido)acetic acid, N-(aminoiminomethyl)-N-glycine, and methylglycocyamine, and Methylguanidoacetic acid, and N-Methyl-N-guanylglycine, whose chemical structure is shown below. As used herein, “creatine” also includes derivatives of creatine such as esters, and amides, and salts, as well as other derivatives, including derivatives that become active upon metabolism. The chemical structure of creatine is as follows:

While not wishing to be bound by theory it is believed that creatine increases strength and muscle size as well as cell volumization.

Creatine and creatine derivatives are widely available from a number of commercial sources. Commercially available creatine derivatives include creatine phosphate, creatine citrate, magnesium creatine, alkaline creatine, creatine pyruvate, creatine hydrates (including, but not limited to creatine monohydrate), and creatine malate. Glycocyamine, an in vivo precursor of creatine, is also commercially available and suitable in the practice of the present invention. The supplement preferably comprises creatine malate or creatine monohydrate.

As used herein, a serving of the supplement comprises from about 0.1 g to about 10 g of creatine. More preferably, a serving of the supplement comprises from about 0.5 g to about 5 g of creatine. In one embodiment, a serving of the supplement comprises about 1.5 g of creatine. In another embodiment, a serving of the supplement comprises about 0.9 g of creatine.

L-citrulline

“L-citrulline” is a naturally occurring amino acid, also known as L-N5-(aminocarbonyl)-Ornithine (CAS Registry No. 372-75-8). As used herein, “L-citrulline” also includes derivatives of L-citrulline such as esters, amides, and salts as well as other derivatives, including derivatives that become active upon metabolism. The chemical structure of L-citrulline is as follows:

While not being bound by theory, it is believed that L-citrulline is a metabolic precursor to L-arginine. Thus, L-citrulline increases de novo arginine synthesis thereby increasing the arginine pool. It is hypothesized that ingestion of L-citrulline indirectly supports nitric oxide production by enhancing the plasma concentration of L-arginine substrate for NO synthetase.

As used herein, a serving of the supplement comprises from about 0.01 g to about 10 g of L-citrulline. More preferably, a serving of the supplement comprises from about 0.05 g to about 2 g of L-citrulline. Most preferably, a serving of the supplement comprises about 0.1 g of L-citrulline.

L-leucine

“L-leucine” is a naturally occurring amino acid, also known as (S)-2-amino-4-methylpentanoic acid (CAS Registry No. 61-90-5). As used herein, “L-leucine” also includes derivatives of L-leucine such as esters, amides, and salts as well as other derivatives, including derivatives that become active upon metabolism. The chemical structure of L-leucine is as follows:

As used herein, a serving of the supplement in one embodiment comprises from about 0.01 g to about 10 g of L-leucine. More preferably, a serving of the supplement comprises from about 0.05 g to about 2 g of L-leucine. In one embodiment, a serving of the supplement comprises about 0.1 g of L-leucine. In another embodiment, a serving of the supplement comprises about 0.06 g of L-leucine.

L-aspartic Acid

“L-aspartic acid” is a naturally occurring amino acid, also known as (S)-Aminobutanedioic acid (CAS Registry No. 56-84-8). As used herein, “L-aspartic acid” also includes derivatives of L-aspartic acid such as esters, amides, and salts as well as other derivatives, including derivatives that become active upon metabolism. The chemical structure of L-aspartic acid is as follows:

While not being bound by theory it is believed that aspartic acid facilitates the production of nitric oxide.

As used herein, a serving of the supplement comprises from about 0.01 g to about 10 g of L-aspartic acid per serving. More preferably, a serving of the supplement comprises from about 0.02 g to about 2 g of L-aspartic acid per serving. Most preferably, a serving of the supplement comprises about 0.05 g of L-aspartic acid per serving.

L-valine

“L-valine” is a naturally occurring amino acid, also known as (S)-2-amino-3-methylbutanoic acid (CAS Registry No. 72-18-4). As used herein, “L-valine” also includes derivatives of L-valine such as esters, amides, and salts as well as other derivatives, including derivatives that become active upon metabolism. The chemical structure of L-valine is as follows:

As used herein, a serving of the supplement in one embodiment comprises from about 0.01 g to about 10 g of L-valine. More preferably, a serving of the supplement comprises from about 0.05 g to about 2 g of L-valine. In one embodiment, a serving of the supplement comprises about 0.1 g of L-valine. In another embodiment, a serving of the supplement comprises about 0.06 g of L-valine.

Ginseng

As used herein Ginseng preferably refers to American ginseng (Panax quinquefolium L.), or Korean Ginseng (Panax Ginseng) or Siberian Ginseng ((Eleutherococcus senticosus) and derivatives thereof. Most preferably Ginseng refers to American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolium L.), or Korean Ginseng (Panax Ginseng) and derivatives thereof.

While not being bound by theory it is believed that Ginseng stimulates the production of nitric oxide.

As used herein, a serving of the supplement preferably comprises from about 0.001 g to about 0.5 g of American Ginseng or Korean Ginseng per serving. More preferably, a serving of the supplement comprises from about 0.01 g to about 0.1 g of American Ginseng or Korean Ginseng per serving. Most preferably, a serving of the supplement comprises about 0.01 g of Korean Ginseng (Panax Ginseng) per serving.

French Maritime Pine Extract

French Maritime Pine extract preferably refers to an aqueous extract of the bark of the French maritime pine grown as a mono-species forest, spread over the coastal region of south-west France and preferably comprises a natural blend of genetically programmed constant proportions of bioflavonoids including catechin, epicatechin, taxifolin, monomers, dimers of catechin and epicatechin, oligomeric procyanidnins and phenolic fruit acids such as ferulic acid and caffeic acid. See U.S. Pat. No. 4,698,360, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

While not being bound by theory it is believed that the extract from the bark of French maritime pine tree supports circulation by preventing constriction of arteries and blood clotting.

As used herein, a serving of the supplement comprises from about 0.01 mg to about 20 mg of French maritime pine tree bark extract per serving. More preferably, a serving of the supplement comprises from about 0.1 mg to about 10 mg of French maritime pine tree bark extract per serving. Most preferably, a serving of the supplement comprises about 2 mg of French maritime pine tree bark extract per serving.

Those of skill in the art will appreciate that the nutritional composition may contain a variety of excipients.

As set forth above, the present invention, in one embodiment, provides for a method for enhancing lean muscle stimulus, growth, strength and recovery, creating and prolonging muscle pumps, supporting endurance, strength, performance, size and stamina, providing a transducer effect for nitric oxide, increasing nutrient delivery and/or promoting increased vascular response, e.g., blood flow and circulation, in an individual, by consuming a nutritional composition that includes L-arginine, creatine, L-aspartic acid, L-citrulline, ginseng root extract and maritime pine (bark) extract. For instance, the present invention, in one embodiment, provides for a nutritional composition including about 3.1 g of L-arginine, e.g., about 3.0 g of L-arginine HCL and about 0.1 g of L-arginine alphaketoglutarate, about 1.5 g of creatine, about 0.1 g of L-aspartic acid, about 0.1 g of L-citrulline, 0.05 g of ginseng root extract and about 2 mg of maritime pine (bark) extract per serving. Advantageously, the method also includes a workout to facilitate the process of enhancing lean muscle stimulus, growth, strength and recovery, creating and prolonging muscle pumps, supporting endurance, strength, performance, size and stamina, providing a transducer effect for nitric oxide, increasing nutrient delivery and/or promoting increased vascular response, e.g., blood flow and circulation, in an individual. Preferably, the nutritional composition is consumed in accordance with the following directions and dosing chart: DIRECTIONS: Based upon a person's bodyweight, take one serving (3 to 5 caplets) with an 8 oz. glass of water, 2 times daily. On days of workout, take 1 of these servings, 30 to 60 minutes before workout. Do not exceed 10 caplets in a 24-hour period. Consume ten 8 oz. glasses of water daily for general good health. Read the entire label before use and follow directions. Minimum Maximum daily serving daily serving (caplets) Second (caplets) Second First serving Serving First serving Serving Men < 200 lbs 3 3 4 4 Men > 200 lbs 4 4 5 5

In an alternate embodiment, the present invention provides for a method for enhancing lean muscle stimulus, growth, strength and recovery, creating and prolonging muscle pumps, supporting endurance, strength, performance, size and stamina, providing a transducer effect for nitric oxide, increasing nutrient delivery and/or promoting increased vascular response, e.g., blood flow and circulation, in an individual, by consuming a nutritional composition comprising L-arginine, creatine, L-leucine, L-valine. For instance, in one embodiment, the present invention provides for a nutritional composition including about 3.0 g of L-arginine, e.g., about 2.9 g of L-arginine HCL and about 0.1 g of L-arginine alphaketoglutarate, about 1.5 g of creatine, about 0.1 g of L-leucine and about 0.1 g of L-valine. Advantageously, the method further comprises a workout to facilitate the process of enhancing lean muscle stimulus, growth, strength and recovery, creating and prolonging muscle pumps, supporting endurance, strength, performance, size and stamina, providing a transducer effect for nitric oxide, increasing nutrient delivery and/or promoting increased vascular response, e.g., blood flow and circulation, in an individual. Preferably, the nutritional composition is consumed in accordance with the following directions and dosing chart: DIRECTIONS FOR MEN AND WOMEN: Based upon a person's gender and bodyweight, take one serving (2 to 5 caplets) with an 8 oz. glass of water, 2 times daily. On days of workout, take 1 of these servings, 30 to 60 minutes before workout. Do not exceed 10 caplets in a 24-hour period. Consume ten 8 fl. oz. glasses of water daily for general good health. Read the entire label before use and follow directions. Minimum Maximum daily serving daily serving (caplets) Second (caplets) Second Gender/lbs First serving Serving First serving Serving Women < 125 2 2 3 3 Women > 125 3 3 4 4 Men < 200 3 3 4 4 Men > 200 4 4 5 5

In an alternate embodiment, the present invention provides for a method for enhancing lean muscle stimulus, growth, strength and recovery, creating and prolonging muscle pumps, supporting endurance, strength, performance, size and stamina, providing a transducer effect for nitric oxide, increasing nutrient delivery and/or promoting increased vascular response, e.g., blood flow and circulation, in an individual, by consuming a nutritional composition comprising L-arginine, creatine, L-leucine, L-valine. For instance, in one embodiment, the present invention provides for a nutritional composition including about 1.74 g of L-arginine HCL, 0.060 g of L-arginine alpha ketoglutarate, about 0.9 g of creatine, about 0.06 g of L-leucine and about 0.06 g of L-valine. Advantageously, the method further comprises a workout to facilitate the process of enhancing lean muscle stimulus, growth, strength and recovery, creating and prolonging muscle pumps, supporting endurance, strength, performance, size and stamina, providing a transducer effect for nitric oxide, increasing nutrient delivery and/or promoting increased vascular response, e.g., blood flow and circulation, in an individual. Preferably, the nutritional composition is consumed in accordance with the following directions and dosing chart: DIRECTIONS FOR MEN AND WOMEN: Based upon a person's gender and bodyweight, take one serving (2 to 5 caplets) with an 8 oz. glass of water, 2 times daily. On days of workout, take 1 of these servings, 30 to 60 minutes before workout. Do not exceed 10 caplets in a 24-hour period. Consume ten 8 fl. oz. glasses of water daily for general good health. Read the entire label before use and follow directions. Minimum Maximum daily serving daily serving (caplets) Second (caplets) Second Gender/lbs First serving Serving First serving Serving Women < 125 2 2 3 3 Women > 125 3 3 4 4 Men < 200 3 3 4 4 Men > 200 4 4 5 5

In one embodiment, the present invention also provides for a method of making a nutritional composition that includes the steps of mixing the following ingredients: L-arginine HCL, L-arginine alphaketoglutarate, creatine, L-aspartic acid, L-citrulline, ginseng root extract and maritime pine (bark) extract; and in an additional step, adding the following excipients: potassium chloride, cellulose, dextrose, stearic acid, silica, magnesium stearate, ethyl cellulose, dicalcium phosphate, polyvinyl alcohol, polyethylene glycol, FD&C Red No. 40, talc, and titanium dioxide. The method also includes the step of blending and mixing for 30 minutes. Finally, the method includes the steps of checking for uniformity/homogeneity and then aliquoting into a serving.

In addition, the present invention provides for a method of making a nutritional composition including the steps of mixing the following ingredients: L-arginine HCL, L-arginine alphaketoglutarate, creatine, L-leucine and L-valine; and in an additional step, adding the following excipient: potassium chloride, cellulose, dextrose, stearic acid, silica, magnesium stearate, ethyl cellulose, dicalcium phosphate, polyvinyl alcohol, titanium dioxide, polyethylene glycol, and talc. The method also includes the step of blending and mixing for 30 minutes. Finally, the method includes the steps of checking for uniformity/homogeneity and then aliquoting into a serving.

In addition, the present invention provides for a method of making a nutritional composition including the steps of mixing the following ingredients: L-arginine HCL and L-arginine alpha ketoglutarate, creatine, L-leucine and L-valine; and in an additional step, adding the following excipient: potassium chloride, cellulose, dextrose, stearic acid, silica, magnesium stearate, ethyl cellulose, FD&C Red No. 40, polyvinyl alcohol, polyethylene glycol, talc, and dicalcium phosphate which had been pre-sifted. The method also includes the step of blending and mixing for 30 minutes. Finally, the method includes the steps of checking for uniformity/homogeneity and then aliquoting into a serving.

According to various embodiments, the present invention may also provide for a timed release delivery system for a novel nutritional composition for enhancing lean muscle stimulus, growth, strength and recovery, creating and prolonging muscle pumps, supporting endurance, strength, performance, size and stamina, providing a transducer effect for nitric oxide, increasing nutrient delivery and/or promoting increased vascular response, e.g., blood flow and circulation, in an individual, which includes a combination of pharmaceutical grade excipients including Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose (Methocel K100M Premium CR EP-Hypromellose 2208 USP XXII), Ethyl Cellulose (Ethocel Standard FP Premium—NF XVII), and Hydroxypropylcellulose (Klucel LF—NF XVII).

The present invention, according to one embodiment thereof, may also provide for a timed release delivery system for a novel nutritional composition for enhancing lean muscle stimulus, growth, strength and recovery, creating and prolonging muscle pumps, supporting endurance, strength, performance, size and stamina, providing a transducer effect for nitric oxide, increasing nutrient delivery and/or promoting increased vascular response, e.g., blood flow and circulation, in an individual, which comprises a hydrophilic caplet matrix system comprising water-soluble (i.e., Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose and Hydroxypropylcellulose) and water-insoluble (i.e., Ethyl Cellulose) polymers uniformly incorporated at a specified ratio.

In one timed release delivery system of the present invention, the novel nutritional composition includes a hydrophilic caplet matrix system which is in the ratio of 1 Hydroxypropylcellulose:1 Ethyl Cellulose:0.5 Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose.

Although the following examples illustrate the practice of the present invention in some of its embodiments, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. Other embodiments will be apparent to one skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and examples.

EXAMPLE 1

A serving of the nutritional supplement for enhancing lean muscle stimulus, growth, strength and recovery, creating and prolonging muscle pumps, supporting endurance, strength, performance, size and stamina, providing a transducer effect for nitric oxide, increasing nutrient delivery and/or promoting increased vascular response, e.g., blood flow and circulation, in an individual, includes the following ingredients in caplet form. 4.852 Ingredients G/serving Formula % L-arginine HCL 3.000 40.000% Ginseng (25% ginsenosides) 0.050 0.667% Creatine Malate 1.500 20.000% L-arginine alpha ketaglutarate 0.100 1.333% Citrulline 0.100 1.333% L-aspartic acid 0.100 1.333% Pycnogenol 0.002 0.027% Other Ingredients: 2.648 35.307% G/serving Potassium Chloride 0.250 3.333% Cellulose 0.883 11.773% Dextrose 0.057 0.760% Stearic Acid 0.560 7.467% Silica 0.070 0.933% Magnesium Stearate 0.035 0.467% Ethyl Cellulose 0.455 6.067% Dicalcium Phosphate 0.338 4.507% Total 7.500 100.000%

Optionally, the caplet form may contain a coating such as Opadry II.

EXAMPLE 2

A serving of the nutritional composition for enhancing lean muscle stimulus, growth, strength and recovery, creating and prolonging muscle pumps, supporting endurance, strength, performance, size and stamina, providing a transducer effect for nitric oxide, increasing nutrient delivery and/or promoting increased vascular response, e.g., blood flow and circulation, is preferably consumed in accordance with the following directions and dosing chart:

DIRECTIONS: Reference is made to the chart below. Based upon a person's bodyweight, one serving (4 to 5 caplets) is taken with an 8 oz. glass of water, 2 times daily. On days of a person's workout, one of these servings is taken, 30 to 60 minutes before the workout. Ten caplets in a 24-hour period should not be exceeded. Ten 8 oz. glasses of water should be ingested daily for general good health. The product may be taken by men. CHART Up to 200 lbs Over 200 lbs 8 caplets daily 10 caplets daily Take 4 caplets 30 minutes before Take 5 caplets 30 minutes before breakfast and again 30 minutes breakfast and aqain 30 minutes before before lunch. lunch.

EXAMPLE 3

An alternate embodiment of the serving of the nutritional supplement for enhancing lean muscle stimulus, growth, strength and recovery, creating and prolonging muscle pumps, supporting endurance, strength, performance, size and stamina, providing a transducer effect for nitric oxide, increasing nutrient delivery and/or promoting increased vascular response, e.g., blood flow and circulation, in an individual, includes the following ingredients in caplet form. 4.700 Ingredients g/serving Formula % L-arginine HCL 2.900 38.667% Creatine Monohydrate 1.500 20.000% L-arginine alpha ketaglutarate 0.100 1.333% L-Leucine 0.100 1.333% L-Valine 0.100 1.333% Other Ingredients: 2.800 37.333% g/serving Potassium Chloride 0.250 3.333% Cellulose 1.035 13.800% Dextrose 0.057 0.760% Stearic Acid 0.560 7.467% Silica 0.070 0.933% Magnesium Stearate 0.035 0.467% Ethyl Cellulose 0.455 6.067% Dicalcium Phosphate 0.338 4.507% Total 7.500 100.000% Coating: Opadry II Grey

Optionally, the caplet form may contain a coating such as Opadry II.

EXAMPLE 4

An alternate embodiment of the serving of the nutritional composition for enhancing lean muscle stimulus, growth, strength and recovery, creating and prolonging muscle pumps, supporting endurance, strength, performance, size and stamina providing a transducer effect for nitric oxide, increasing nutrient delivery and/or promoting increased vascular response, e.g., blood flow and circulation, is preferably consumed in accordance with the following directions and dosing chart: DIRECTIONS FOR MEN AND WOMEN: Based upon a person's gender and bodyweight, take one serving (2 to 5 caplets) with an 8 oz. glass of water, 2 times daily. On days of workout, take 1 of these servings, 30 to 60 minutes before workout. Do not exceed 10 caplets in a 24-hour period. Consume ten 8 fl. oz. glasses of water daily for general good health. Read the entire label before use and follow directions. Minimum Maximum daily serving daily serving (caplets) Second (caplets) Second Gender/lbs First serving Serving First serving Serving Women < 125 2 2 3 3 Women > 125 3 3 4 4 Men < 200 3 3 4 4 Men > 200 4 4 5 5

EXAMPLE 5

A timed release delivery system for a serving of the nutritional supplement for enhancing lean muscle stimulus, growth, strength and recovery, creating and prolonging muscle pumps, supporting endurance, strength, performance, size and stamina, providing a transducer effect for nitric oxide, increasing nutrient delivery and/or promoting increased vascular response, e.g., blood flow and circulation, in an individual including a hydrophilic caplet matrix of Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose (Methocel K100M Premium CR EP-Hypromellose 2208 USP XXII), Ethyl Cellulose (Ethocel Standard FP Premium—NF XVII), and Hydroxypropylcellulose (Klucel LF—NF XVII). The average (n=6) % of labeled amount of arginine dissolved from one caplet of the nutritional supplement for inducing muscle pump and enhancing muscle stimulus and recovery in 900 ml of 0.1N Hydrochloric Acid: Average % of Labeled Amount of Arginine Average Mg of Arginine Time (Minutes) Dissolved ± Std. Dev. Dissolved ± Std. Dev. 15 10.69 ± 1.69 53.02 ± 8.41 30 21.18 ± 3.82 105.02 ± 18.92 45 26.58 ± 9.62 131.63 ± 47.6  60 32.74 ± 5.62  161.9 ± 27.76 120 57.66 ± 6.99 284.61 ± 34.49 240  91.65 ± 13.76 451.18 ± 67.49 360 113.30 ± 32.21  555.59 ± 157.52 480 120.94 ± 38.41 590.13 ± 185.8

EXAMPLE 6

A serving of the nutritional supplement for enhancing lean muscle stimulus, growth, strength and recovery, creating and prolonging muscle pumps, supporting endurance, strength, performance, size and stamina, providing a transducer effect for nitric oxide, increasing nutrient delivery and/or promoting increased vascular response e.g., blood flow and circulation, in an individual, includes the following ingredients in caplet form. Serving: 4.500 Ingredient #: g/serving 3 Caplets Ingredients 1 L-arginine HCL 1.740 38.6667% 2 Creatine Monohydrate 0.900 20.0000% 3 L-arginine alpha 0.060  1.3333% ketoglutarate 4 L-leucine 0.060  1.3333% 5 L-valine 0.060  1.3333% Other Ingredients: 6 Potassium Chloride 0.150  3.3333% 7 Cellulose 0.621 13.8000% 8 Dextrose 0.034  0.7600% 9 Stearic Acid 0.336  7.4667% 10 Silica 0.042  0.9333% 11 Magnesium Stearate 0.021  0.4667% 12 Ethyl Cellulose 0.273  6.0667% 13 Dicalcium Phosphate 0.203  4.5067% Coating: Opadry II Red 4.500 100.000%

EXAMPLE 7

A serving of the nutritional supplement (PUMP-TECH GRAPE FLAVOR) for enhancing lean muscle stimulus, growth, strength and recovery, creating and prolonging muscle pumps, supporting endurance, strength, performance, size and stamina, providing a transducer effect for nitric oxide, increasing nutrient delivery and/or promoting increased vascular response, e.g., blood flow and circulation, in an individual, includes the following ingredients in powder form reconstituted into a drink. Dietary Ingredient per serving Actives/ Dietary Ingredient Name Actives % (g) serving (g) Formula % L-arginine 4.0000 68.3527% Di-Creatine Malate 1.5000 25.6323% Creatine 63 0.9450 L-arginine alpha ketaglutarate (2:1) 0.1000  1.7088% Arginine 69 0.0690 Picamilone HCL 0.1000  1.7088% Asian Ginseng Powder root extract 0.0500  0.8544% (Panax ginseng) Ginsenosides (standardized) 25 0.0125 L-Citrulline 0.0500  0.8544% L-aspartic acid 0.0500  0.8544% French Maritime Pine Bark Extract 0.0020  0.0342% Proanthocyanidins Standardized (Pinus 70 0.0014 Maritima) 5.8520  100.00% Other Ingredients g/serving % Dextrose 6.0000  62.9% Citric Acid 2.4600  25.8% SD N&A Bitter Blocker 0.6250   6.5% SD N&A Concord Grape Flavor 0.1870   2.0% Natural Sweetness Modifier Flavor 0.1750   1.8% Sucralose 0.0550   0.6% Acesulfame K 0.0270   0.3% FD&C Blue #1 (10%) 0.0080   0.1% FD&C Red #40 0.0060   0.1% 9.5430 100.00%

EXAMPLE 8

One serving of the supplement of Example 7 is consumed by a human, twice daily.

EXAMPLE 9

A serving of the nutritional composition (PUMPTECH FRUIT PUNCH FLAVOR) for enhancing lean muscle stimulus, growth, strength and recovery, creating and prolonging muscle pumps, supporting endurance, strength, performance, size and stamina, providing a transducer effect for nitric oxide, increasing nutrient delivery and/or promoting increased vascular response, e.g., blood flow and circulation, is preferably consumed in powder form reconstituted into a drink. Dietary Ingredient Dietary Ingredient per serving Actives/ Name Actives % (g) serving (g) Formula % L-arginine 4.0000 68.3527%  Di-Creatine Malate 1.5000 25.6323%  Creatine 63 0.9450 L-arginine alpha 0.1000 1.7088% ketaglutarate (2:1) Arginine 69 0.0690 Picamilone HCL 0.1000 1.7088% Asian Ginseng 0.0500 0.8544% Powder root extract (Panax ginseng) Ginsenosides 25 0.0125 Standardized L-Citrulline 0.0500 0.8544% L-aspartic acid 0.0500 0.8544% French Maritime 0.0020 0.0342% Pine Bark Extract Proanthocyanidins 70 0.0014 Standardized (Pinus Maritima) 5.8520 100.00% Other Ingredients g/serving % Dextrose 6.0000 59.9%  Citric Acid 2.4600 24.5%  SD N&A Bitter Blocker 0.6250 6.2% SD Natural Pineapple Flavor WONF 0.3700 3.7% SD N&A Fruit Punch Flavor 0.3000 3.0% Natural Sweetness Modifier Flavor 0.1750 1.7% Sucralose 0.0550 0.5% Acesulfame K 0.0270 0.3% FD&C Red #40 0.0090 0.1% 10.0210 100.00%  

EXAMPLE 10

One serving of the supplement of Example 9 is consumed by a human, twice daily.

EXAMPLE 11

A serving of the nutritional composition (PUMPTECH CAPLET) for enhancing lean muscle stimulus, growth, strength and recovery, creating and prolonging muscle pumps, supporting endurance, strength, performance, size and stamina, providing a transducer effect for nitric oxide, increasing nutrient delivery and/or promoting increased vascular response, e.g., blood flow and circulation, is preferably consumed in caplet form. Dietary Ingredient Dietary Ingredient per serving Actives/ Name Actives % (g) serving (g) Formula % L-arginine 4.0000 68.3527%  Di-Creatine Malate 1.5000 25.6323%  Creatine 63 0.9450 L-arginine alpha 0.1000 1.7088% ketaglutarate (2:1) Arginine 66 0.0660 Picamilon HCL 0.1000 1.7088% Asian Ginseng 0.0500 0.8544% Extract (Panax Ginseng) Std to Ginsenosides 25 0.0125 L-Citrulline 0.0500 0.8544% L-aspartic acid 0.0500 0.8544% French Maritime 0.0020 0.0342% Pine Bark Extract (Pinus maritima) Std to 70 0.0014 Proanthocyanidins 5.8520 100.00% Other Ingredients g/serving % Potassium Chloride 0.0000 Cellulose 0.0000 Dextrose 0.0000 Stearic Acid 0.0000 Silica 0.0000 Magnesium Stearate 0.0000 Ethyl Cellulose 0.0000 Dicalcium Phosphate 0.0000 Coating: Opadry II Red 0.0000 Polyvinyl Alcohol 0.0000 Polyethylene Glycol 0.0000 FD & C Red #40 AC Aluminum Lake 0.0000 Talc 0.0000 Titanium Dioxide 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000%

EXAMPLE 12

One serving of the supplement of Example 11 is consumed by a human, twice daily, each serving including 5 caplets. 

1. A nutritional composition for at least one of enhancing lean muscle stimulus, growth, strength and recovery, creating and prolonging muscle pumps, supporting endurance, strength, performance, size and stamina, providing a transducer effect for nitric oxide, increasing nutrient delivery and/or promoting increased vascular response, in individuals, the nutritional composition comprising L-arginine and creatine.
 2. The nutritional composition of claim 1, further comprising L-citrulline, L-aspartic acid, ginseng root extract, and maritime pine (bark) extract.
 3. The nutritional composition of claim 1, wherein the L-arginine includes L-arginine HCL and L-arginine alphaketoglutarate.
 4. The nutritional composition of claim 2, wherein the L-arginine includes L-arginine base and L-arginine alphaketoglutarate.
 5. The nutritional composition of claim 1, wherein the creatine includes di-creatine malate.
 6. The nutritional composition of claim 1, further comprising L-leucine and L-valine.
 7. The nutritional composition of claim 1, wherein the nutritional composition is provided in the form of one of a caplet and a powder suitable for reconstitution in a liquid.
 8. A method for at least one of enhancing lean muscle stimulus, growth, strength and recovery, creating and prolonging muscle pumps, supporting endurance, strength, performance, size and stamina, providing a transducer effect for nitric oxide, increasing nutrient delivery and/or promoting increased vascular response in individuals, the method comprising the step of: consuming a nutritional composition comprising L-arginine and creatine.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the nutritional composition further comprises L-citrulline, L-aspartic acid, ginseng root extract, and maritime pine (bark) extract.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the L-arginine includes L-arginine HCL and L-arginine alphaketoglutarate.
 11. The method of claim 8, wherein the L-arginine includes L-arginine base and L-arginine alphaketoglutarate.
 12. The method of claim 8, wherein the creatine includes di-creatine malate.
 13. The method of claim 8, wherein the nutritional composition further comprises L-leucine and L-valine.
 14. The method of claim 8, wherein the nutritional composition is consumed in the form of one of a caplet and a powder suitable for reconstitution in a liquid.
 15. A method of manufacturing a nutritional composition for at least one of enhancing lean muscle stimulus, growth, strength and recovery, creating and prolonging muscle pumps, supporting endurance, strength, performance, size and stamina, providing a transducer effect for nitric oxide, increasing nutrient delivery and/or promoting increased vascular response in individuals, the method comprising the steps of: creating a mixture of L-arginine and creatine; blending the mixture; and aliquoting the mixture into a serving.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the mixture is aliquoted into a serving, the serving in the form of one of a caplet and a powder beverage mix.
 17. The method of claim 15, further comprising the step of adding in the mixture at least one of L-citrulline, L-aspartic acid, ginseng root extract, and maritime pine (bark) extract.
 18. The method of claim 15, further comprising the step of adding in the mixture at least one of L-leucine and L-valine.
 19. The method of claim 15, wherein the step of adding in the mixture the L-arginine includes adding L-arginine HCL and L-arginine alphaketoglutarate.
 20. The method of claim 15, wherein the step of adding in the mixture the L-arginine includes adding L-arginine base and L-arginine alphaketoglutarate.
 21. The method of claim 15, wherein the step of adding in the mixture the creatine includes adding di-creatine malate. 